Nurturing Curious,
Capable Thinkers
Academic Excellence at SCS
Southern Cross Schools is an ISASA and IEB registered independent school. From Preschool through to Grade 12, our academic programme evolves with each child, building progressively on the foundations established in their early years.
We believe academic excellence begins with really knowing each child. Our small-school environment allows teachers to understand individual strengths, identify areas for development and provide the support and challenge each child needs to progress with confidence.
We foster a culture where children are encouraged to be curious, ask questions and think independently High expectations are balanced with genuine care, creating an environment where children are challenged to reach their potential while feeling supported along the way. Our approach doesn’t only focus on academic knowledge. We place equal value on critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and the ability to apply learning beyond the classroom. Through strong teaching, individual attention and a broad, balanced curriculum, we equip children with the skills, confidence and resilience they need for the opportunities ahead.
Early Learning in the Preschool
In the Preschool, our focus is on building the essential foundations children need for formal schooling. Through purposeful play, guided learning and strong foundational teaching approaches, children develop across a range of interconnected areas, including:
- Social and emotional development
- Gross and fine motor development
- Language and literacy
- Numeracy
- Knowledge and life skills
- Creative development
These early experiences establish the building blocks for future learning while allowing children to develop at an appropriate pace within a nurturing environment.
Strengthening Foundations in the Preparatory School
Our Preparatory School provides a strong academic foundation while recognising that meaningful education extends beyond academic content. Small classes allow teachers to know each child well, respond to individual learning needs and provide differentiated support and challenge. We place equal value on academic development and the life skills children need to navigate the world with confidence, emotional balance and sound judgement.
From Grade 1 to Grade 7, our approach evolves as children grow. In the Junior Prep, Grades 1–3, we focus on nurturing a love of learning, curiosity and confidence through a combination of class, small-group and individual teaching. Programmes such as Time2Read and NumberSense support the development of strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. Children are encouraged to express their ideas, ask questions, explore different perspectives and develop creative thinking.
In the Senior Prep, Grades 4–7, learning becomes increasingly focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, reflection and the practical application of knowledge. Our integrated approach allows children to explore concepts in greater depth and make meaningful connections between subjects, rather than learning in isolation. Collaborative activities, discussion and hands-on experiences encourage children to take an active role in their learning while developing the confidence and skills they need for the next stage of their education.
Alongside the core academic programme, children are exposed to a broad range of specialist subjects, including Bush Lore, Computer Skills, Dance and Drama, Visual Arts, conversational Xitsonga and Library. These experiences enrich the curriculum, allowing children to discover their interests, develop new skills and experience learning in different ways.
Our Preparatory School Academic Programme
Core subjects for the Junior Prep (Grades 1-3):
- English First Languate
- Mathematics
- Afrikaans First Additional Language
- Life Skills
Core subjects for the Senior Prep (Grades 4-7):
- English First Language
- Mathematics
- Afriaans First Additional Language
- Integrated Studies
Alongside the core academic programme, children are exposed to a broad range of specialist subjects, including:
- Bush Lore
- Computer Skills
- Dance and Drama
- Visual Arts
- Conversational Xitsonga
- Library.
These experiences enrich the curriculum, allowing children to discover their interests, develop new skills and experience learning in different ways.
Independent Thinking in the College
Our College provides an academically rigorous environment where children are encouraged to become independent thinkers, take responsibility for their learning and prepare for life beyond school. Small classes allow teachers to know each child well, provide individual support and challenge them to reach their potential. The College follows the IEB curriculum, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and applying knowledge meaningfully beyond the classroom.
Our College Academic Programme
All children take the following core subjects:
- English
- Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy
- First Additional Language: Afrikaans, Sepedi or Zulu (Portuguese for foreign children)
- Life Orientation
In addition to these subjects, children choose one subject from each of the following elective tiers, allowing them to build a programme that reflects their individual strengths, interests and future aspiration:
Tier One:
- Physical Sciences
- Tourism
- Computer Applications Technoloy
Tier Two:
- Business Studies
- Geography
- Engineering Graphics and Design
Tier Three:
- Visual Arts
- Hospitality
- Life Science
The curriculum can be further enriched through additional subject opportunities, including Further Studies Mathematics, Further Studies Physics, Information Technology, History and Marine Science.
Laptops and Google Classroom are integrated into daily learning to develop the digital fluency children will need at university and beyond, while our considered approach to technology protects time for focused learning and meaningful connection. Through this balanced and flexible approach, we aim to develop confident, capable and compassionate young people who leave Southern Cross with the knowledge, skills, resilience and independence to embrace the opportunities ahead.